Milestone moment for Canadian soccer as NSL player Holly Ward scores in CanWNT victory
Vancouver, BC – June 4, 2025 — Last night’s Canadian Women’s National Team victory over Haiti was more than just a win—it marked the first time a Northern Super League player scored a goal in a Canadian National Team match. Holly Ward, forward for Vancouver Rise FC, scored her first senior international goal and added an assist in Canada’s 2-0 win, becoming the first Northern Super League (NSL) player to score for the CanWNT. She was also named Player of the Match.
Ward made her senior national team debut during the April camp in Vancouver—just weeks after signing with the Rise—and continues to make the most of every opportunity. A standout at the U-20 level, Ward has long been seen as a promising talent in the Canadian system, and last night’s performance was her most impactful yet on the senior stage.
“It felt really special to score in front of Canadian fans,” said Ward. “This was only my second call-up, so I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of the group and to have had this moment on the international stage.”
Vancouver Rise FC President Sinead King congratulated Ward on this accomplishment:
“We were so excited to witness Holly’s performance at this match,” said King. “She has shown herself to be an invaluable member of the Club and now, for her country.”
Ward was joined by other Northern Super League players who were called up to this Senior Canadians Women’s National Team competition, including Montréal Roses FC’s Latifah Abdu, AFC Toronto’s Emma Regan and Ottawa Rapid FC’s Desiree Scott, who retired from the National Team after a historic first leg of this competition in Winnipeg where her National Team career was celebrated in front of her hometown crowd.
“The Northern Super League exists partly to provide Canadian players the opportunity to reach their highest potential,” said Christina Litz, NSL President. “With her exceptional performance last night, Ward inspires all across the League to continue in our mission to inspire greatness on and off the pitch.”
Can WNT Head Coach Casey Stoney echoed the sentiments of Litz and King, “She’s a rising star,” said Stoney. “She’s earned every minute, and it’s exciting to see her growing into her game so quickly.”
The NSL’s inaugural season returns this week with three matches on deck:
- Thursday, June 5: Calgary vs. Halifax at 9:00 PM ET (7:00 PM MT) – Streaming on TSN+, ESPN+ and NSL.ca
- Saturday, June 7: Toronto vs. Ottawa at 12:00 PM ET – Streaming on CBC Gem and NSL.ca
- Saturday, June 7: Montreal vs. Vancouver at 1:00 PM ET – Broadcast on TSN and RDS2; also available on ESPN+
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About the Northern Super League
The Northern Super League is Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league,with six founding clubs: Calgary Wild FC, Halifax Tides FC, Montréal Roses, Ottawa Rapid FC, AFC Toronto, and Vancouver Rise FC. Built by players and supporters, the League is rooted in global best practices and strives to champion Canadian excellence in sport, equity, and inclusion. For the latest league news and ticket information, visit www.NSL.ca.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Kelly Shouldice
Northern Super League
kelly@nsl.ca
647.225.5359